Weekly News

Steel starts for flagship M&S store in Kent

Steelwork erection is now underway for a new Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park in Maidstone.

Working on behalf of main contractor Gallagher Group, H Young Structures is fabricating, supplying and erecting 600t of structural steelwork for the project.

The 7,808m² store is due to open in the summer of 2020 and will sell clothing and home products as well as having a foodhall and M&S café. The store will create up to 300 jobs in the local area.

M&S said it identified Maidstone as the ideal location for this major new store, which will be the largest new store opening in 2020, and designed to be ‘inspirational’, drawing people from a wide catchment area.

The design of the store is said to be attractive, with smart, clean glazing and cladding and Kentish Ragstone walling.

Pat Gallagher, Chairman of Gallagher Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marks & Spencer to Eclipse Park. Marks & Spencer choosing Maidstone for the location of this new store is a major vote of confidence in Kent’s county town.

Located close to Junction 7 of the M20 motorway, Eclipse Park is one of Maidstone’s most modern office, retail and hotel business parks.

When complete, it will total over 16 acres of Grade A commercial development and deliver more than 27,800m² of commercial office accommodation, including 150-bed hotel with conference facilities.